Outrageous art | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As a supporter and lover of the arts, I was angered by what I read about the art for the new Public Safety Building ("New PSB graced by $865K in public art," Tribune, July 7).

Spending $865,000 in public money on four pieces of art is outrageous. Roni Thomas, the public art manager for the city, said that "a national search was conducted for the best possible art. We have great artists in Utah, but sometimes they may not have as much experience as someone else."

I found this comment both demeaning and condescending to all local artists, with the exception of the Park City sculptor whose piece was selected.

The Public Safety Building is not an art gallery. The article stated that up to $50,000 will be spent on paintings by local artists. I disagree with Thomas' assessment of our local artists. The majority of this funding should have showcased their art in our new Public Safety Building.

Kris Bywater Bell

Salt Lake City